Alabama

Michael Allen, the defending champion of the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic presented by C Spire, will attempt a 150-yard shot from the pool deck at Beau Rivage to a floating green in the Gulf of Mexico on Wed., March 19 at 1 p.m. If he makes the shot C Spire will donate $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and present a prize package to someone from a random drawing. (Mike Kittrell/mkittrell@al.com)

On Wed., March 19, two days before the start of the tournament at Fallen Oak, Allen will attempt a 150-yard shot from the three-story-high pool deck at Beau Rivage Resort and Casino to a 28-foot "floating green'' in the Gulf of Mexico. He will be attempting the shot -- he'll get 10 tries at it -- as part of a promotion by C Spire.

If he lands a shot on the green a contestant selected in a random drawing will receive a grand prize valued at more than $15,700 that includes a smartphone, one year of wireless service and a 2014 Yamaha VX Cruiser Wave Runner. Also, C Spire will donate $15,000 to Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the primary beneficiary charity of the MGRC.

Allen will attempt the shots beginning at 1 p.m. He will use environmentally friendly golf balls in the attempt and volunteers will be stationed around the floating green to retrieve any errant shots.

"I enjoy a challenge and this will be a great way to generate some excitement and anticipation for the tournament.'' Allen is quoted as saying in a press release announcing the event.

To qualify for the grand prize and two other prizes to be awarded, there are two steps. The first is to be a member or sign up for membership in C Spire's PERCS program. Those interested can sign up online at www.cspire.com/rewards. The second step is to go by one of the nine C Spire retail locations ont he Mississippi Gulf Coast -- located in Gulfport, Biloxi, D'Iberville, Ocean Springs, Pascagoula, Lucedale, Wiggins, Picayune and Bay St. Louis -- and make a putt at one of the "blue greens'' set up in the stores. Those who make the putt will be entered in the drawing.

Three names will be selected int he drawing, one for the grand prize. The two others selected will receive a new smartphone and one year of wireless service.